SOUTH BEND, IN – A U.S. District Court has ordered the operator of 61 liquor stores across two states to pay $354,633 in back wages and damages to 156 employees. The court also mandated that the owner post a statement and play a recorded video message informing workers of their right to cooperate with federal wage investigators. This order comes in response to a lawsuit against Bhola Singh, owner of Vishav Inc., for retaliation against workers who spoke with investigators from the U.S. Department of Labor's Wage and Hour Division.
The court in the Northern District of Indiana in South Bend included these requirements in a preliminary injunction entered as part of a consent order. The lawsuit was filed by the U.S. Department of Labor in February 2024 seeking a restraining order against Singh for attempting to coerce workers into returning back wages found due.
District Judge Damon R. Leichty issued the order on May 8, 2024, requiring Singh, who operates Mega Liquor & Smoke stores in Indiana and Michigan, to post the statement within three days and play the approved video for employees during work hours within seven days.
Singh agreed to immediately cease retaliation against workers who cooperated with investigators and received back wages found due. He must also provide an accurate accounting of back wages paid and received by employees within 90 days. Any remaining back wages and damages owed will be paid to the department for distribution.
Regional Solicitor of Labor Christine Heri stated that "the court is holding Bhola Singh accountable for his illegal tactics." She emphasized that employers should be aware that legal resources will be used to protect workers from illegal practices by employers.
In its lawsuit, the department alleged that Singh engaged in an ongoing scheme to deprive current and former employees of money owed through threats, intimidation, and coercion after signing a settlement agreement on Sept. 29, 2023. The Fair Labor Standards Act prohibits employers from retaliating against workers.
Wage and Hour Division Regional Administrator Michael Lazzeri reiterated the division's commitment to ensuring that Singh pays the wages and damages due to his employees. He added that actions taken against employers who intimidate workers serve as a warning to others who fail to meet federal wage agreements and retaliate against their employees.
The case is being litigated by attorneys Travis Gosselin and Haley Jenkins of the department’s Regional Office of the Solicitor in Chicago.
